The magnificent and rugged northern Rockies await this travel program to Glacier National Park, Montana. For 100 years, this has been the crown jewel of the national park system, with its pristine forests, alpine meadows, rugged mountains, and spectacular lakes. This spectacular mountain environmental is home to bears, moose, big horn sheep, and mountain goats.

We’ll meet in Kalispell, Montana and then head to West Glacier, the gateway to Glacier National Park, where will be set-up base camp in a two story cabin at the Glacier Raft Company. From here we will set forth on daily trips throughout the park, with hikes to the Grinnell Glacier, Iceberg Lake, Ptarmagin Falls, and more! Our hiking will give us ample time to discover the wildlife and natural beauty of this magnificent national park. Evenings will be spent around the campfire outside of our cabin at base camp.

The program also includes a two-day overnight rafting trip on the scenic Middle Fork Flathead River, led by our professional guides at Glacier Raft Company. 

HIGHLIGHTS
· Hike in Glacier National Park, celebrating its 100 years (1910-2010)
· Study  ecology & natural history
· Track & observe wildlife
· Learn & explore outdoors
· Raft the Middle Fork of the Flathead River

GRADE
For students who will finish 8th-12th grades in June 2010.

EXPEDITION START / END LOCATION & FLIGHT INFORMATION
FLIGHT ARRIVAL: Glacier Park International Airport (Kalispell, MT) between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, Saturday, June 26.
FLIGHT DEPARTURE: Glacier Park International Airport (Kalispell, MT) between 7:00 AM and 2:30 PM, Sunday, July 4.

DATES & FEES
Saturday, June 26-Sunday, July 4

$1599 (airfare not included)

Prepare for Your Trip

Day hikes in Glacier National Park often average 7 miles a day.

Your trip will be significantly more enjoyable if you have a basic level of fitness and well-broken-in boots. We cannot overemphasize the importance of well-broken-in boots. There have been students who have had to leave their trips because of blisters from boots that were not broken in. The training guidelines below are designed to help you properly break in your boots and develop a solid fitness base.

Four weeks before your trip: Wear your boots for 15-30 minutes a day to walk around your house or neighborhood so your boots will begin to conform to your feet.

Three weeks before your trip: Take three 30-minute hikes or walks in your boots.

Two weeks before your trip: Take three 45-minute hikes or walks in your boots.

One week before your trip: Take three 1-hour hikes or walks in your boots.

Many participants are first-timers on a trip like this�so few, if any, students come with prior experience. There is always a range of physical ability and fitness in each group. As long as you are motivated and reasonably fit, you will keep up just fine because the trip is designed to be a cooperative, non-competitive group activity where everyone contributes and helps one another.

Your enjoyment of this trip will hinge on several factors:

• Your fitness. Any reasonably fit, reasonably active teen will do just fine.
• Your motivation. It�s not always easy�you must be motivated!
• Your commitment to teamwork. YESC Expeditions require compromise, patience and selflessness. Support your trip leaders and your trip mates, and you�ll find that you will have a great experience.

Packing for Your Trip

Our packing list is designed to keep you safe and comfortable while hiking and camping this summer. Nighttime temperatures are much cooler when you are at high elevation than they tend to be in the regions most of us are from. The warm clothing and layers listed may seem unnecessary now, but we guarantee you'll appreciate them this summer! Keep in mind, however, that there are a wide range of products available in terms of clothing and equipment. Overland programs are relatively short and although you want your clothing and equipment to be durable, this does not mean it has to be top of the line. Oftentimes more basic and less expensive options perform just as well. Some of our favorite brands in terms of quality of product for a reasonable price include REI, EMS and L.L.Bean.

Label the following items with your name, address and phone number.  Bring only what you need and pack everything in your backpack or daypack. You should wear your hiking boots on the plane and carry your sleeping bag and sleeping pad on the plane with you in case your checked luggage fails to arrive on time.

Please bring only the clothes listed below. Do not wear an extra set of clothes for the flight. By layering you will stay cool on warm days, dry on rainy days and warm on cool nights. You will have the chance to do laundry periodically. You will be able to leave some extra items in our cabin while we are on the trail, but please stick to the packing list. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact our office.

Specialized Gear

YESC will rent specialized gear for any of our non-hiking activities (e.g. rafting) and this is included in your trip fee.

Clothing

• Fleece Jacket or Pullover & Long Fleece Pants
  The fleece should be medium to heavy weight and reasonably compact. Please don't bring jeans or sweatpants. They are heavy, bulky and will not keep you warm if wet.
• Synthetic Long Underwear Top or Synthetic Long-Sleeve Shirt
  One only. Synthetic material will keep you warm in varying weather and is a comfortable layer to wear while hiking or in camp.
• Winter Hat and Gloves/Mittens
  For cool nights in camp.
• Waterproof, Breathable Rain Jacket
  Your rain gear must be waterproof (not just water and/or wind resistant). GoreTex is one of the better-known waterproof, breathable fabrics, but there are many of these fabrics to choose from. Ponchos are not acceptable as they are difficult to hike in and don't provide the same protection that a rain jacket does.
• Shorts To Hike In
  Two pairs of synthetic (no cotton) shorts. Athletic shorts or hiking shorts work well.
• T-Shirts
  Three. Synthetic are recommended; cotton are acceptable. At least one synthetic shirt is recommended because it will dry faster than cotton. One cotton shirt works well for at night in camp.
• Underwear
  Five.
• Socks
  Four pairs of thick wool/synthetic blend socks made for hiking. Synthetic socks dry faster after a day on the trail and help protect your feet better than a cotton sock.
• Pajamas
  One pair only. Pajamas aren't required as many students sleep in shorts and a t-shirt.
• Bathing Suit
  One only.
• Sport Sandals
  With a heel strap for rafting, swimming and around camp. No flip-flops or Crocs as these will not be acceptable for rafting. If you do not have sport sandals, your sneakers will work fine for rafting and around camp.
• Sneakers or Tennis Shoes
  A comfortable and lightweight alternative to your hiking boots. To be used on short day hikes and in camp when your hiking boots are not necessary.

Hiking Equipment

• Hiking Boots
  Waterproof backpacking boots (recommended price range $125 to $175). Choose a comfortable boot that is designed for hiking with a medium weight pack. Your boots should have a durable leather upper that can be treated with waterproofing wax or liquid, or have a waterproof fabric/leather combination. If the boots you like have a GoreTex liner, that is great but your boots do not need to have GoreTex liners to be waterproof; good quality leather when treated properly is waterproof. Follow the waterproofing instructions from the boots' manufacturer prior to the start of your trip; typically you must wear the boots for at least a week before they will accept waterproofing treatment.
• Backpack
  When choosing a backpack, look for a weekend/overnight pack, which has somewhere between 1,800-3,000 cubic inches of space.  Junior packs are also available in this size range.  Most packs of this type range in price from $70-$150. Before you purchase a backpack, find your backpack size by measuring your torso length and your hips.  We recommend getting fitted at a store where you can try on a number of different packs.  Please keep in mind that a larger backpack (4,000-5,000 cubic inches of space) is required if you plan to do a hiking trip with a longer backcountry experience in the future and are buying a new backpack now. Follow REI's guidelines on how to find your backpack size:
• Measure Your Torso Length. 
  This is key:  Your torso length, not your height, determines your pack size.  Here's how to measure it: 1.With the help of a friend, locate the bony bump at the base of your neck.  This is where the slope of your shoulder meets your neck, also known as the seventh vertebra.  Tilt your head forward to locate it more easily. 2. Using a flexible tape measure, have your friend start measuring at that spot down your spine, following the curves of your back. 3. Place your hands on your hips to feel your iliac crest, the twin pointy protrusions on the front of your hips.  Position your hands so your thumbs are reaching behind you. 4. Finish measuring at the point where the tape crosses an imaginary line between your thumbs.  This distance is your torso length.  
  
• Measure Your Hips.
  While less critical than torso length, this is helpful if you're considering a pack that offers mulitiple sizes of interchangeable hipbelts.  To measure, take your tape measure and wrap it around the tops of your hips.  This is the "latitude line" where you can feel your iliac crest, the two pointy bones on the front of your hips.  A properly positioned hipbelt will straddle your iliac crest at this line.
• Waterproof Pack Cover
  If your backpack does not come with a cover, choose one that fits your pack well.
• Day Pack
  Your day pack can be used as a carry-on and will be necessary for day hikes. This can be a very basic backpack, maybe even just your school backpack. You should be able to carry it over both shoulders (i.e., NOT a satchel) and it should be big enough to hold your lunch, 2 water bottles, snacks and some extra warm clothes.
• Sleeping Bag
  We recommend a lightweight, compact sleeping bag either synthetic or down that is warm to 30 degrees or less. Your sleeping bag should compress enough to fit into your backpack. Some sleeping bags come with a stuff sack which is a small bag that you can stuff your sleeping bag into and then cinch down to make it compact. If your bag does not have one, you can purchase one at most outdoors stores. A stuff sack that compresses your bag to 12" to 20" is recommended. Carry your sleeping bag on the plane with you.
• Sleeping Pad
  Either a full length or 3/4 length pad that is inflatable like a ThermaRest or a closed cell foam (thin and firm) like a Therma Ridge Rest is appropriate. It should be compact enough to either fit in your pack or be strapped to the outside. Carry your sleeping pad on the plane with you.
• Water Bottle
  Two 1-liter Nalgene (or similar) water bottle. Overland will provide you with a second water bottle on arrival. A Camelbak or similar water bladder is acceptable.
• Headlamp
  So you can see in camp when it's dark outside.  A headlamp is a small light attached to a band that you can wear on your head which is nice because it allows both hands to be free.
• Small Safety Whistle
  Plastic or metal with a string or lanyard attached. This is for safety reasons in case a student is separated from the group.

Miscellaneous Gear

• Towel
  Medium size cotton towel or synthetic camping towel.
• Plastic Bags
  Ten large ziplocks (1-2 gallon) and 4 large trash bags. The trash bags will be used to line your pack and to wrap your sleeping bag and pad in. The ziplocks will be used to organize and waterproof the rest of your gear.
• Toiletries
  All travel size (in a plastic bag).  If necessary, you will be able to restock en route.
• Moleskin
  One full package for blister protection.
• Sunglasses & Hat
  With visor (e.g., baseball cap).
• Sunscreen (SPF 30+), Chapstick (with SPF protection) & Insect Repellent
• Paperback Book and/or Journal
  Optional.
• Camera & Film/Battery/Memory Card
  Optional. There will be opportunities to charge digital cameras.
• Spending Money
  $50-100/week for souvenirs, gifts and necessities (like more sunscreen if you run out, camera film or envelopes to mail letters).
• Note: Please do not bring any type of knife or multi-tool (e.g., Swiss Army Knife, Leatherman).

Come discover the rocky coast and scenic wilderness of Maine with this trip to Acadia National Park! While surrounded by the ocean, Acadia hosts a wide variety of freshwater, estuarine, forest, and intertidal ecosystems, many of which contain plant and animal species of international, national and state significance.

We’ll meet at the Upper Main Line YMCA and travel by vans north to the state of Maine where we will set up base camp at a two-story cabin just outside the Park! Through hands-on activities in forests, bogs, and on beaches, students will learn to identify and observe the diverse flora and fauna in this scenic national park. Wildlife that may be spotted throughout the program include black bear, white-tailed deer, seals, whales, common loon, bald eagle, northern woodland warblers, and more. We will embark on a half day cruise in the Gulf of Maine in to observe whales and seals on the open waters and puffins and other rare sea birds on the rocky islands  off the coast. A day trip wildlife tour of Baxter State Park will be made to search for moose! 

HIGHLIGHTS
· Hike in Acadia National Park, exploring Downeast Maine
· Study  ecology & natural history
· Track & observe wildlife through glacial bogs
· Day trip to Baxter State Park for Moose
· Learn & explore outdoors
· Whale/Puffin cruise in the Gulf of Maine

GRADE
For students who will finish 7th-11th grades in June 2010.

EXPEDITION START / END LOCATION & FLIGHT INFORMATION
DROP-OFF: Upper Main Line YMCA, 1416 Berwyn-Paoli Road, Berwyn, PA at 8:00 PM, Friday, August 6
PICK-UP: Upper Main Line YMCA, 1416 Berwyn-Paoli Road, Berwyn, PA at 10:00 PM
FLIGHT ARRIVAL: Philadelphia International Airport between
FLIGHT DEPARTURE: Philadelphia International Airport between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM, Sunday, August 15

DATES & FEES
Friday, August 6 - Saturday, August 14

$1050 (airfare not included)

Prepare for Your Trip

Day hikes in Acadia National Park often average 4 miles a day.

Your trip will be significantly more enjoyable if you have a basic level of fitness and well-broken-in boots. We cannot overemphasize the importance of well-broken-in boots. There have been students who have had to leave their trips because of blisters from boots that were not broken in. The training guidelines below are designed to help you properly break in your boots and develop a solid fitness base.

Four weeks before your trip: Wear your boots for 15-30 minutes a day to walk around your house or neighborhood so your boots will begin to conform to your feet.

Three weeks before your trip: Take three 30-minute hikes or walks in your boots.

Two weeks before your trip: Take three 45-minute hikes or walks in your boots.

One week before your trip: Take three 1-hour hikes or walks in your boots.

Many participants are first-timers on a trip like this�so few, if any, students come with prior experience. There is always a range of physical ability and fitness in each group. As long as you are motivated and reasonably fit, you will keep up just fine because the trip is designed to be a cooperative, non-competitive group activity where everyone contributes and helps one another.

Your enjoyment of this trip will hinge on several factors:

• Your fitness. Any reasonably fit, reasonably active teen will do just fine.
• Your motivation. It�s not always easy�you must be motivated!
• Your commitment to teamwork. YESC Expeditions require compromise, patience and selflessness. Support your trip leaders and your trip mates, and you�ll find that you will have a great experience.

Packing for Your Trip

Our packing list is designed to keep you safe and comfortable while hiking and camping this summer. Nighttime temperatures are much cooler when you are at high elevation than they tend to be in the regions most of us are from. The warm clothing and layers listed may seem unnecessary now, but we guarantee you'll appreciate them this summer! Keep in mind, however, that there are a wide range of products available in terms of clothing and equipment. Overland programs are relatively short and although you want your clothing and equipment to be durable, this does not mean it has to be top of the line. Oftentimes more basic and less expensive options perform just as well. Some of our favorite brands in terms of quality of product for a reasonable price include REI, EMS and L.L.Bean.

Label the following items with your name, address and phone number.  Bring only what you need and pack everything in your backpack or daypack. You should wear your hiking boots on the plane and carry your sleeping bag and sleeping pad on the plane with you in case your checked luggage fails to arrive on time.

Please bring only the clothes listed below. Do not wear an extra set of clothes for the flight. By layering you will stay cool on warm days, dry on rainy days and warm on cool nights. You will have the chance to do laundry periodically. You will be able to leave some extra items in our cabin while we are on the trail, but please stick to the packing list. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact our office.

Specialized Gear

YESC will rent specialized gear for any of our non-hiking activities (e.g. rafting) and this is included in your trip fee.

Clothing

• Fleece Jacket or Pullover & Long Fleece Pants
  The fleece should be medium to heavy weight and reasonably compact. Please don't bring jeans or sweatpants. They are heavy, bulky and will not keep you warm if wet.
• Synthetic Long Underwear Top or Synthetic Long-Sleeve Shirt
  One only. Synthetic material will keep you warm in varying weather and is a comfortable layer to wear while hiking or in camp.
• Winter Hat and Gloves/Mittens
  For cool nights in camp.
• Waterproof, Breathable Rain Jacket
  Your rain gear must be waterproof (not just water and/or wind resistant). GoreTex is one of the better-known waterproof, breathable fabrics, but there are many of these fabrics to choose from. Ponchos are not acceptable as they are difficult to hike in and don't provide the same protection that a rain jacket does.
• Shorts To Hike In
  Two pairs of synthetic (no cotton) shorts. Athletic shorts or hiking shorts work well.
• T-Shirts
  Three. Synthetic are recommended; cotton are acceptable. At least one synthetic shirt is recommended because it will dry faster than cotton. One cotton shirt works well for at night in camp.
• Underwear
  Five.
• Socks
  Four pairs of thick wool/synthetic blend socks made for hiking. Synthetic socks dry faster after a day on the trail and help protect your feet better than a cotton sock.
• Pajamas
  One pair only. Pajamas aren't required as many students sleep in shorts and a t-shirt.
• Bathing Suit
  One only.
• Sport Sandals
  With a heel strap for rafting, swimming and around camp. No flip-flops or Crocs as these will not be acceptable for rafting. If you do not have sport sandals, your sneakers will work fine for rafting and around camp.
• Sneakers or Tennis Shoes
  A comfortable and lightweight alternative to your hiking boots. To be used on short day hikes and in camp when your hiking boots are not necessary.

Hiking Equipment

• Hiking Boots
  Waterproof backpacking boots (recommended price range $125 to $175). Choose a comfortable boot that is designed for hiking with a medium weight pack. Your boots should have a durable leather upper that can be treated with waterproofing wax or liquid, or have a waterproof fabric/leather combination. If the boots you like have a GoreTex liner, that is great but your boots do not need to have GoreTex liners to be waterproof; good quality leather when treated properly is waterproof. Follow the waterproofing instructions from the boots' manufacturer prior to the start of your trip; typically you must wear the boots for at least a week before they will accept waterproofing treatment.
• Backpack
  When choosing a backpack, look for a weekend/overnight pack, which has somewhere between 1,800-3,000 cubic inches of space.  Junior packs are also available in this size range.  Most packs of this type range in price from $70-$150. Before you purchase a backpack, find your backpack size by measuring your torso length and your hips.  We recommend getting fitted at a store where you can try on a number of different packs.  Please keep in mind that a larger backpack (4,000-5,000 cubic inches of space) is required if you plan to do a hiking trip with a longer backcountry experience in the future and are buying a new backpack now. Follow REI's guidelines on how to find your backpack size:
• Measure Your Torso Length. 
  This is key:  Your torso length, not your height, determines your pack size.  Here's how to measure it: 1.With the help of a friend, locate the bony bump at the base of your neck.  This is where the slope of your shoulder meets your neck, also known as the seventh vertebra.  Tilt your head forward to locate it more easily. 2. Using a flexible tape measure, have your friend start measuring at that spot down your spine, following the curves of your back. 3. Place your hands on your hips to feel your iliac crest, the twin pointy protrusions on the front of your hips.  Position your hands so your thumbs are reaching behind you. 4. Finish measuring at the point where the tape crosses an imaginary line between your thumbs.  This distance is your torso length.  
  
• Measure Your Hips.
  While less critical than torso length, this is helpful if you're considering a pack that offers mulitiple sizes of interchangeable hipbelts.  To measure, take your tape measure and wrap it around the tops of your hips.  This is the "latitude line" where you can feel your iliac crest, the two pointy bones on the front of your hips.  A properly positioned hipbelt will straddle your iliac crest at this line.
• Waterproof Pack Cover
  If your backpack does not come with a cover, choose one that fits your pack well.
• Day Pack
  Your day pack can be used as a carry-on and will be necessary for day hikes. This can be a very basic backpack, maybe even just your school backpack. You should be able to carry it over both shoulders (i.e., NOT a satchel) and it should be big enough to hold your lunch, 2 water bottles, snacks and some extra warm clothes.
• Sleeping Bag
  We recommend a lightweight, compact sleeping bag either synthetic or down that is warm to 30 degrees or less. Your sleeping bag should compress enough to fit into your backpack. Some sleeping bags come with a stuff sack which is a small bag that you can stuff your sleeping bag into and then cinch down to make it compact. If your bag does not have one, you can purchase one at most outdoors stores. A stuff sack that compresses your bag to 12" to 20" is recommended. Carry your sleeping bag on the plane with you.
• Sleeping Pad
  Either a full length or 3/4 length pad that is inflatable like a ThermaRest or a closed cell foam (thin and firm) like a Therma Ridge Rest is appropriate. It should be compact enough to either fit in your pack or be strapped to the outside. Carry your sleeping pad on the plane with you.
• Water Bottle
  Two 1-liter Nalgene (or similar) water bottle. Overland will provide you with a second water bottle on arrival. A Camelbak or similar water bladder is acceptable.
• Headlamp
  So you can see in camp when it's dark outside.  A headlamp is a small light attached to a band that you can wear on your head which is nice because it allows both hands to be free.
• Small Safety Whistle
  Plastic or metal with a string or lanyard attached. This is for safety reasons in case a student is separated from the group.

Miscellaneous Gear

• Towel
  Medium size cotton towel or synthetic camping towel.
• Plastic Bags
  Ten large ziplocks (1-2 gallon) and 4 large trash bags. The trash bags will be used to line your pack and to wrap your sleeping bag and pad in. The ziplocks will be used to organize and waterproof the rest of your gear.
• Toiletries
  All travel size (in a plastic bag).  If necessary, you will be able to restock en route.
• Moleskin
  One full package for blister protection.
• Sunglasses & Hat
  With visor (e.g., baseball cap).
• Sunscreen (SPF 30+), Chapstick (with SPF protection) & Insect Repellent
• Paperback Book and/or Journal
  Optional.
• Camera & Film/Battery/Memory Card
  Optional. There will be opportunities to charge digital cameras.
• Spending Money
  $50-100/week for souvenirs, gifts and necessities (like more sunscreen if you run out, camera film or envelopes to mail letters).
• Note: Please do not bring any type of knife or multi-tool (e.g., Swiss Army Knife, Leatherman).

Explore the natural wonders of New Jersey’s Barnegat Bay in cooperation with the Sedge Island Natural Resource Education Center and New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife. Come discover the delicate nature of the marine environment through fun activities including marsh walks, fishing, crabbing, clamming and kayaking. Learn to identify local marine life and sea birds.

Marine Ecology participants will be staying at Sedge House, a renovated duck-hunting cottage on Sedge Island, equipped with a common room, 7 bunkrooms, a full kitchen, and dining room. On Monday participants will spend the day exploring the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine. Then our adventurers will set out for Sedge Island where they will spend four evenings at Sedge House.

HIGHLIGHTS
· Explore Sedge Island in Barnegat Inlet, NJ
· Visit the Marine Mammal Stranding Center
· Fishing, crabbing & clamming
· Seining activities
· Sea kayaking

GRADE
For students who will finish 6th-10th grades in June 2010.

START & END LOCATION
Starts and ends at the Upper Main Line YMCA, Berwyn, PA (travel between the YMCA and Philadelphia Int’l Airport provided if needed)

DATES & FEES
Monday, July 26-Friday, July 30

$510 (airfare not included)

 

Prepare for Your Trip

Clothing

• Hat with brim for sun protection
• Sunglasses with lanyard to prevent loss
• Water shoes or old sneakers for crabbing, clamming, fishing, seining, and kayaking
• Sneakers or Sports sandals - Comfortable footwear that will remain dry and can be used to walk around Sedge House or for activities that do not involve mud or water.
• Long, light weight pants
• Long sleeve, light weight shirt
• 2-3 Bathing suits
• Rain coat or wind breaker (Not a poncho)
• Sweatshirt or jacket for cool evenings
• Change of clothes Bring old clothes that you don’t mind getting wet and dirty

Miscellaneous Gear

• Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and Chapstick with SPF protection -
  Participants will be out in the sun for long periods of time therefore it is important to apply sunscreen early in the morning and reapply frequently throughout the day.
• Insect Repellent (non-aerosol)
• Towel - One medium sized towel and a hand towel.
• Flashligh/headlamp - So you can see at Sedge House when it is dark outside.  The Sedge Island cottage utilizes solar panels; therefore to save on electricity lights are not used in the evening. It also enhances the overall experience.
• Water Bottle a 1-Liter non-breakable reusable model
• Toiletries - Travel size.  The water on the island is brackish so participants will be unable to shower during the entire trip.  Fresh water is brought in for drinking and cooking purposes only.
• Bedding - Sleeping bag or sheets and pillow case; pillows will be provided.
• Camera - Optional; seal in a waterproof bag.
• Binoculars - Optional; seal in a waterproof bag. 
• Fishing rod & tackle - Optional.
• Snacks - Optional